Could a breakthrough in women's health change the way we manage sexual health after cancer? In this episode, I sit down with Jo Bailey, a consultant gynaecologist surgeon, specialising in gynaecological cancers, to explore an exciting and emerging treatment—vaginal probiotics.

Many cancer survivors struggle with menopause symptoms, including vaginal dryness, discomfort, and pain during intimacy. With traditional treatments like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) not always being an option, the search for safe and effective solutions continues. Jo explains how the vaginal microbiome plays a crucial role in post-menopausal health and how vaginal probiotics could be a game-changer for improving symptoms and restoring comfort.

We discuss:

- Why the vaginal microbiome matters for post-cancer care.

- How vaginal probiotics are showing promise as a non-hormonal treatment.

- The current research gaps and why more studies are needed.

- The importance of patient-centred care in sexual health post-cancer.

While more research is needed, the early signs are promising—and for many survivors, this could be the breakthrough they've been waiting for.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

05:05 Gynaecological Cancer and Menopause Treatment

17:22 Empowering Women's Health Choices

18:21 Exploring Non-Hormonal Gynaecological Treatments

22:53 "Vaginal Probiotics for Menopausal Health"

28:40 Ultimate V & Health Products

The probiotics mentioned can be found here: https://pelvicrelief.co.uk/

This episode is proudly sponsored by Pelvic Relief, a company dedicated to improving women’s pelvic health with science-backed solutions. They offer a curated range of products, including the vaginal probiotics we’ll discuss today—plus lubes, moisturisers, the Ohnut, and more to support pelvic pain, menopause symptoms, and post-cancer recovery. Check them out here https://pelvicrelief.co.uk/

Connect with us:

For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

In this powerful solo episode, Dani invites you to press pause, tune in, and reflect — while also arming you with clarity around some of the noise in the menopause space. You’ll learn how to check in with yourself emotionally, spot the signs of meno-washing in the wellness industry, and take small but meaningful steps to reclaim your voice and your story.

Whether you're newly diagnosed, deep in treatment, or navigating life years on, this episode is a reminder that you don’t need fixing — you need truth, space, and support.

Make sure to listen to the end, where Dani shares a few nuggets of an exciting new challenge if becoming active with a little support is what you need right now!

Subscribe to the newsletter here https://menopauseandcancer.aweb.page/p/4cfed538-bdea-4608-b0bf-d35f26bfa946 to stay in the loop with all of Menopause And Cancer’s events and challenges.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

07:44 Menopause Conversations: Beyond Tick Boxes

15:12 Reclaiming Identity Post-Cancer

19:23 Yoga's Healing Power for Survivors

23:00 "Boost 30 Challenge Announcement"

Connect with us:

For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

In this episode, I sit down with Rebecca Walker, a coach and podcast host, but also my very dear friend who has helped me personally so much over the years.

We talk about the power of friendship and support when navigating cancer and mental health challenges. We explore the emotional ups and downs of survivorship, the impact of anxiety and the role of friends.

Takeaways from our conversation:

Friendship can be a lifeline during tough times.

How coaching can help

Redefining success after cancer to embracing vulnerability

What it really means to be a supportive friend.

Cancer affects mental health just as much as physical health.

Sharing our stories helps us feel less alone.

What’s wrong with ‘assumptions’

This conversation is filled with wisdom, honesty, and hope. I can’t wait for you to listen!

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

05:26 Embracing Vulnerability and Openness

08:35 "Prioritise Big Rocks First"

14:42 Coaching Conversations: Navigating Health Decisions

16:46 Supportive Friendships: Guidance Without Directing

20:12 "Podcast Insights on Assumptions"

31:14 "Reflections on Cancer and Recovery"

33:40 Be the Friend You Seek

Listen to Rebecca’s podcast here https://headflex.co.uk/#83b77e94-775f-4144-ab1b-c69a481a6128

Connect with us:

For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

Want to regain strength after cancer treatment but don’t know where to start?

In this episode, I speak with Sarah Newman, a cancer survivor who has turned her frustration and passion into becoming an exercise specialist for survivors. We’ll talk about how to begin strength training after cancer, what exercises are safe, and how to rebuild muscle after treatment.

We cover:

The best beginner strength exercises for cancer survivors

How to prevent injury & ease into strength training

The benefits of weight training for bone health and menopause

How heavy should your weights be?

How to stay motivated in your fitness journey

Are heavier weights better than smaller weights and more repetitions?

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

03:36 Cancer Recovery Fitness Specialist Journey

06:09 Exercise Challenges During Cancer Treatment

15:15 "Strength Training Post-Cancer"

23:26 Post-Cancer Mobility and Strength Guide

27:54 Lymphedema: Wear Compression During Exercise

32:50 Functional Exercises for Everyday Movement

36:16 Weight Training Progression Guide

39:44 Strength Training: 5 Key Principles

42:52 Squat Variations for Leg Targets

46:43 Post-Surgery Upper Body Exercises

48:30 "Lunge Modifications for Joint Comfort"

51:23 "Tea Time Workout Routine"

If you're navigating menopause after cancer and want support, visit Menopause and Cancer for more resources.

Connect to Sarah from Get Me Back here and sign up to her fantastic online program today https://www.getmeback.uk/

To follow Sarah on Instagram, go here https://www.instagram.com/getmebackuk/

If you want to find out more of what the evidence of strength training and exercise says on cancer recurrence, watch our YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8WDtAM-lrg

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Rachel Frankenthal, a board-certified Physician Assistant and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, whose work is transforming the lives of cancer survivors. Rachel specialises in gynaecological oncology at UCLA, supporting women through both cancer treatment and survivorship—particularly those navigating treatment-induced menopause.

But Rachel’s story is anything but ordinary! From her early days as a Broadway performer to becoming a leading voice in survivorship care, she shares how her journey shaped her passion for holistic, patient-centred healthcare. She has played a pivotal role in developing UCLA’s Gynaecologic Cancer Survivorship Program and started a dedicated menopause clinic to support survivors in reclaiming their well-being.

Join us as we discuss the power of integrative care, movement, and mindfulness, and how Rachel is changing the future of menopause support for cancer survivors. This conversation is full of wisdom, hope, and a reminder that the right care can change lives.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

05:27 Rachel’s Yoga Journey

13:07 Comprehensive Patient Follow-Up Visits

16:51 Post-Treatment Confusion and Anxiety

20:15 Embracing a Healthcare Paradigm Shift

23:13 Menopausal Symptoms in Cancer Survivors

24:30 "Advocating Awareness in Cancer Care"

29:09 Empowering Mid-Level Providers in Oncology

31:42 Yoga Program Reduces Treatment Side Effects

35:35 Community Healing Through Connection

38:17 Normalising Post-Cancer Intimacy Challenges

Find Rachel here https://www.instagram.com/rachelfrankenthal/

Attached are resources:

• The British Gyn Cancer Society Guidelines https://thebms.org.uk/publications/bms-guidelines/management-of-menopausal-symptoms-following-treatment-of-gynaecological-cancer/

- Here's the link to Rachel’s course "Hormone Therapy for Gyn Cancer Survivors":

https://heatherhirschacademy.com/course/managing-hormone-therapy-for-gynecologic-cancer-survivors/

Connect with us:

For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Liz O’Riordan, a former breast cancer surgeon, three-time cancer survivor, and author of The Cancer Roadmap: Real Science to Guide Your Treatment Path. Liz shares the motivation behind her latest book, and the most common myths surrounding cancer, treatment, and menopause.

We discuss the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis and evidence-based insights into controversial topics like diet, turmeric, juicing, alternative therapies, and HRT after cancer. We also talk about deodorants and clean skin care and I share with Liz why I can’t quite believe that ‘normal skincare’ including parabens and aluminium, make no difference.

Liz also breaks down key misconceptions:

“Menopause after cancer is the same as natural menopause.”

“Now you’ve had cancer, you can’t just take HRT.”

“Your menopause symptoms will settle down over time.”

“If you’re young, your body will just bounce back.”

“You should just be grateful you survived.”

“Tamoxifen is just a little white pill—what’s the big deal?”

"Sex and Intimacy Are Over After Cancer and Menopause”

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

10:19 Cancer: A Slow, Unseen Process

17:24 Turmeric Supplements: Absorption Challenges

20:10 Exposing the Juicing Myth

25:15 Parabens: Safety in Skin Absorption

31:50 Tamoxifen Side Effects

35:21 Empowered Patients: Advocating for Change

39:40 Struggle with Hormone Blocker Side Effects

52:38 Understanding Your Motivations for Health Choices

Connect with us:

For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Melinda McDougall, a registered Medical Herbalist. Melinda has analysed hundreds of research papers on herbal medicine and menopause to uncover what truly works for some of our most bothersome menopause symptoms. Today, she brings that knowledge to us so that we can find out what considerations we have to make when also dealing with the complexities of a cancer diagnosis.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• How Herbal Medicine Differs from Supplements
• Which Herbal Medicine works for Menopause Symptoms?
• Deep Dive into: Ashwagandha and Black Cohosh
• Considerations for oestrogen positive cancer patients
• Phytoestrogens – Are They Safe?
• How to Find Quality Herbal Products
• Seeing a Medical Herbalist – What to Expect
• Why a Holistic Approach is Key

Tune in now for a deep dive into the power of herbal medicine!

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

06:13 Understanding Menopause and Herbal Medicine

07:52 Herbal Medicine Vs. Supplements

16:14 Ashwagandha: Benefits and Uses

18:43 "Herbal Medicine for Menopause Post-Cancer"

22:00 "Finding a Qualified Herbalist"

33:32 Phytoestrogens: Potential and Caution

40:19 Research Limitations Highlighted

Connect with Dani & Menopause and Cancer: menopauseandcancer.org

Connect with Melinda: melindamcdougall.com

Links mentioned in the episode:

https://www.careopinion.org.uk/services/g507h

https://nimh.org.uk/

https://www.melindamcdougall.com/

https://menopauseandcancer.org/herbal-medicine-for-menopause-after-cancer-current-research/

Connect with us:

For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

Are your bones at risk after cancer treatment? Many cancer survivors experience bone loss due to treatments that affect hormones and bone density. In this episode, we break down what you need to know about osteoporosis, how to assess your risk, and the steps you can take to protect your bone health.

Our expert guest, Dr. Olivia Hum, is a GP specialising in women’s and sexual health, an accredited British Menopause Society Menopause Specialist, and a member of the BMS Medical Advisory Council. She recently contributed to The Guardian on this topic—read the article here: Feel It in Your Bones: Taking the Pain Out of Osteoporosis.

What we cover:

• How cancer treatments impact bone density
• When to get a bone density scan (DEXA scan)
• Medical treatments available for osteoporosis
• Holistic approaches: diet, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

05:27 Early Menopause Affects Bone Density

10:16 Aromatase Inhibitors: Risks and Guidelines

15:15 DEXA Scan Waiting Times

20:27 Vitamin D, Calcium, and NOG Guidelines

24:20 Bisphosphonates: Managing Bone Loss

27:32 Managing Medication

34:50 Calcium and Exercise for Bone Health

38:06 Building Stronger Bones with Weight Training

41:37 Discussing Cancer Treatment's Impact on Bones

Resources & Links:

Find Dr Hum here: https://www.mylahealth.co.uk/dr-olivia-hum

Calculate your fracture risk here https://frax.shef.ac.uk/FRAX/

The Royal Society for Osteoporosis is here https://theros.org.uk/how-you-can-help/become-a-member/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAqrG9BhAVEiwAaPu5zpyb0-iN-8QxJX4Z6P-Ggq_KCAFHSIy_f4z88uBXsC9fxij4J1tJSBoCn38QAvD_BwE

NOGG Guidelines are here https://www.nogg.org.uk/

If you're navigating menopause after cancer and want support, visit Menopause and Cancer for more resources.

Connect with us:

For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub